EASA AD No: 2011-0150

EASA Form 110 Page 1/3 

## EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2011-0150

Date: 09 August 2011

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the continuing airworthiness of an ai rcraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in a ccordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

### Type Approval Holder’s Name : Agusta S.p.A Type/Model designation(s) :
A109S and AW109SP helicopters

TCDS Number: EASA.R.005

Foreign AD: Not applicable

Supersedure: None



### ATA 27 Elevator – Elevator upper Skin – Inspection / Replacement / Repair

Manufacturer(s): Agusta S.p.A.

Applicability: A109S and AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers.

Reason: A case of fracture of the left el evator assy (Part Numb er (P/N) 109-0200-02- 601) along the riveting of the upper skin to the fourth rib has recently occurred on an A109S helicopter. The elevator assy, left and right, P/N 109-0200-02-601/-801 and 109-0200- 02-602/-802, installed on A109S helicopter are very similar to the elevator assy, left and right, P/N 109-0200-02-803/804, installed on AW109SP. The technical investigation conducted by Agusta revealed that the fracture on the left elevator assy P/N 109-0200-02-601 was due to fatigue. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an elevator failure which could reduce the manoeuvrabilit y of the helicopter during flight. For the reasons described above, this AD requires, as an interim measure pending the development of a terminating action, repetitive inspections of the elevator upper skin in the area of the fourth rib, and in case of finding, accomplishment of corrective actions.
Effective Date: 11 August 2011EASA AD No: 2011-0150

EASA Form 110 Page 2/3 Required action(s) and Compliance Time(s): Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: (1) Inspect the elevator assy as listed in table 1 on this AD in accordance with the instructions of Agusta A109S Bollettino Tecnico (BT) 109S-44 or Agusta AW109SP BT 109SP-032, as applicable to helicopter version, and within the compliance time defined in paragraphs (1.1) or (1.2) of the AD, as applicable:
(1.1) For elevator assy having accumulated less than 400 flight hours (FH): within 30 FH after having accumulated 400 FH and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FH from the last inspection.
(1.2) For elevator assy having accumulated more than 400 flight hours (FH): within 30 FH or 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whiche ver occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FH from the last inspection.
Note: A calendar month implies a compliance time extension till the end of the month of the applicable compliance period.

Table 1 – Affected Elevator Assy
Helicopter version Left elevator as sy P/N Right elevator assy P/N

A109S 109-0200-02-601/-8 01 109-0200-02-602/-802

AW109SP 109-0200-02-803 109-0200-02-804

(2) If during the inspections required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any crack is found, before next flight, replace ea ch cracked elevator assy with a serviceable unit or contact Agusta for approved repair instructions and, within the time period specified in those instructions, accomplish the repair accordingly.
(3) The replacement of an elevator as sy as required by paragraph (2) of this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (1 ) of this AD for that elevator assy. (4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any helicopter an elevator assy which is listed in Table 1 of this AD unless in compliance with requirements of this AD.

Ref. Publications: Agusta A109S Bollettino Tecnico 109S-44 dated 05 August 2011. Agusta AW109SP Bollettino Tecnico 109SP-032 dated 05 August 2011. The use of later approved revisions of these documents is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 2. The required actions and the risk allowance have granted the issuance of a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the public consultation process after publication. 3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu

.EASA AD No: 2011-0150

EASA Form 110 Page 3/3 4. For any questions concerning the te chnical content of the requirements in this AD, please contact: Agusta S.p.A. Customer Support Via del Gregge, 100 - 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) – Italy Phone + 39 0331- 664396 ; Fax: + 39 0331 664680 E-mail: custserv@agustawestland.com

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